On warm spring and summer days, nothing tastes better than an afternoon coffee sipped on the terrace. Also, evening relaxation in the fresh air is unique – much better calms and soothes. Want to make all your summer evenings truly magical? Choose lanterns for your terrace! The little lights will make the evening your favorite time of the day!
Ceramic, wood or metal – which patio lanterns to choose?
Patio lanterns available on the market are sometimes made of very different materials. Among the most popular are metal, wood, ceramic and glass. Not sure which one will suit your terrace best?
Metal lanterns for the terrace
The most popular patio lanterns are those made of metal. Many of them refer in form to traditional hand-held lanterns that for centuries illuminated people’s way after dark. Today, these types of lanterns look beautiful on terraces decorated in a romantic, rustic or Provençal style. If you opt for a metal lantern in the form of a lantern, remember that the most versatile models are black or white.
The second popular type of metal lanterns are those shaped like a birdcage. Such a lantern on the terrace looks great as an addition to modern furniture. It will also work well on industrial terraces or those decorated in an oriental style.
Wooden lanterns for the terrace
Wooden lanterns often take a similar form to metal ones. Many models and this time refer in style to small torches. Wooden and bamboo lanterns with a simple cylindrical shape are also popular. Such accessories, made of natural materials, are well suited to styles close to nature. So if your terrace is decorated in boho or japanese style, just reach for a stylish lantern made of wood, bamboo or rattan.
Ceramic lanterns for the terrace
Do you like intricately decorated items? So you will definitely like ceramic lanterns. You can let your imagination run wild! You can find ceramic lanterns in any shape and color. You can choose a simple model in muted ivory, ecru or white, or opt for intense red or blue houses, elves or animals.
What style to match ceramic lanterns with? Simple models will beautifully emphasize the rustic or courtly character of the terrace. They will also work well in the glamour version. Ceramic lanterns-figures will look perfect partially hidden among dense plants. Even a simple terrace will then take on a fairy-tale character after dark. Lanterns in the shape of figurines are sure to please kids in particular!
Glass lanterns for the terrace
Simple glass models often look like jars or bottles. They are ideal as decoration on the terrace in any style. If you want, you can easily make them look original and perfectly reflect your unique style. Simply tie the glass lantern with string or ribbon in your favorite color!
Another way is to paint the decoration on the lantern with your own hands. Such artwork will further relax you or provide creative family entertainment.
How about solar lights instead of a real fire? Lanterns for the terrace in a modern version
Traditional lanterns look extremely impressive on the terrace. Especially in the evening, they make an undersized space turn into a truly magical, mysterious garden. However, if you have small children or curious pets, you may find it more difficult to convince yourself of patio decorations that feature a lit candle or tealight. A solution that you are sure to like is to put solar lights on the terrace! Many of them perfectly imitate real lanterns and look equally charming.
Choose from standing solar lamps – among them you will find both metal, wooden and ceramic models. If, on the other hand, you prefer hanging lights, garlands of small spheres wrapped around plants or stretched just outside the terrace canopy will work well. Instead of spheres, you can opt for more original shapes – such as dragonfly lights or bees.
Remember safety!
Whether you opt for traditional patio lights or want to replace them with solar lights, always keep safety in mind when using them.
Lanterns that will hold a candle or tealight should be heavy enough not to be blown away by the wind. Also pay attention to whether the lantern model you choose has a properly prepared place inside where you will place the candle. This is especially true if you like lanterns made of materials such as wood or wicker.
Using solar lights also requires maintaining safety. The basic rule of thumb is to choose lamps with the appropriate waterproof rating (IP rating):
- lights that will be placed under the roof, deep in the terrace should have an IP rating of at least 23;
- If the decorative lights will be exposed to the weather, they should have an even higher IP rating, that is, an IP between 44 and 54.
Lanterns on the terrace are a great way to change the look of your favorite place and make it more atmospheric at no small cost. This will make it even more pleasant to sit among the greenery in the evening with a book and a mug of your favorite tea. Lighting on the terrace will also come in handy during a small party or gathering with friends. A few lights are all you will need to build the right atmosphere to emphasize the character of the moment.
